He said through this system, the ministry proposed that rules controlling some sectors be “tightened” if there was any increase in cases, but it would not be a total lockdown.

“I will announce details later on how this system will operate, maybe in a week or two.

“We want to avoid lockdowns because they not only disrupt the economy but have other effects, including on family well-being and mental health.

“I think the people may not be able to go through another lockdown,” he told reporters after presenting supplies like a computer and a van to the Rembau district health office here today.

Khairy said so far, the country’s healthcare system was still under control, but there were early signs of an increase in cases.

He reminded the public not to be complacent even though some states had transitioned to Phase 4 under the national recovery plan.

“We are worried because we have seen the early signs (of high infection cases).

“However, it has not reached the level of paralysing the healthcare system, but the signs are very clear.”

He said his concern was the increase in the number of serious cases that require hospitalisation, especially critical cases in Categories 4 and 5.

Citing the situation in Negeri Sembilan as an example, he said the number of hospital admissions had doubled in a month.

Starting Oct 25, only 35 patients needed respiratory assistance statewide, but the figure had increased to 70 yesterday.

“If this trend continues, we will have to provide beds for critical treatment and need to give oxygen supply to more patients,” he said.

On the booster doses, Khairy again called on members of the public, who have received an appointment to get this injection, and not to choose the type of vaccine given by the ministry.

He said the ministry would conduct an investigation if there were any cases of serious side effects among booster dose recipients.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST DATA ON THE COVID-19 SITUATION IN MALAYSIA